April-May-June 2014

Editor's Letter

Dear Saints,

Greetings to all in the wonderful name of Jesus! Well, summer is here in North America and here we still are, looking to Jesus. We continue to be thankful for His very present-tense leadership and desire to follow the Lamb more and more closely as the days grow darker.

The lead article in this edition addresses an issue that is very controversial in modern-day America: homosexuality. We have reached a point in our societal rebellion against God that seemed inconceivable not many years ago. In state after state so-called “gay marriage” is being recognized, often because of judges who impose their personal views upon the people by re-interpreting our various constitutions in the “light” of modern thinking.

And the more radical among the homosexual community aren’t satisfied with mere “tolerance.” They demand that everyone “celebrate” their lifestyle — and woe to anyone who holds a contrary view.

Sadly, on the other side, there are those who are genuinely hateful in their supposed defense of biblical truth, bringing great reproach upon the gospel and adding fuel to the devil’s fire.

The article is a transcript of a message preached at the Bible Tabernacle in February of this year. I felt a strong desire to make a clear biblical stand regarding the subject, and at the same time to do it in the spirit of Eph. 4:15 where we are told to speak “the truth in love.” Jesus never compromised with sin yet He always reached out to sinners and offered hope.

The second article is another by Bro. Mike McInnis and addresses the subject of “Forgiveness.” It is wonderful and clear and I trust will bless many.

Another June Convention has come and gone. It hardly seems possible! We had folks gather from several states and from overseas as well as our four assemblies. The Lord’s presence was evident from the start and to Him belongs all the glory.

The Wednesday evening service was about our spiritual heritage: who we are and why we do as we do. We looked back in a quick overview of the life and ministry of Bro. Thomas and how he came to the convictions he came to. At the same time it was emphasized that we haven’t inherited a tradition or a religion to follow but rather a heritage of being on a journey with Christ as our active Head.

Other services were titled, “God in the Valley,” “Surrender Your Heart,” and “The Day God Shut the Door.” There was something for everyone: encouragement, challenge, and admonition. God works in the lives of His own to shape and mold them, using many of life’s darker moments in the process. He desires our hearts. Anything less will not do. And the door of opportunity will not be forever open.

We have but to look to the words of Jesus who warned that the world will be living as if the coming of Christ and the end of the age are just fantasy, not realizing until too late that they have been deceived. The only prescription Jesus gave on the subject was a simple one: Be ready. I hope you are. Nothing could be more important.

These services can be heard on the website: www.midnightcry.org. From the home page click on “Audio and Video of Services,” then scroll down the list. Remember us in your prayers as we remember you. We need the Lord as never before. Thank God He is faithful!